POD HD500 represents a giant leap forward for amp modeling. It is the only multi-effect pedal that boasts 16 brand-new, state-of-the-art Line 6 HD amp models, 100+ modern and vintage-styled M-class effects, and a comprehensive digital and analog I/O.

Creating these new HD amp models was no small feat. Line 6 mixed 15 years of amp modeling experience with 3 years of new research and development to build an entirely new amp modeling technology from the ground up. During that time, we hunted down 16 incredible amplifiers and”with the help of LA's top tube amp experts”restored each one back to peak condition. The new modeling technology uses 10 times more amplifier information than before, including single-ended class A tube stages, class AB push/pull interactions, power supply behavior, and more. The result is a high-quality warmth, feel, sustain, and articulation for you to fall in love with.

Tube amp fanatics have long enthused that their favorite stacks and combos aren't merely "amps," but instruments themselves, with playability equal to that of the guitar plugged into them. New HD modeling takes the POD HD experience to that same exalted level, capturing the genuine playability that great guitarists demand.

Your amp collection”now in HDOn the POD HD500's menu is a collection of freshly modeled amps, many of which are brand-new to POD, and all of which are essential for performing guitarists who require a wide variety of tones in one streamlined, multi-FX-sized package.

100+ M-class FXMade famous by Line 6 M13 and M9 Stompbox Modelers, M-class FX have found their way into the hearts of many musicians. POD HD500 features a whopping 100+ M-class effects to craft your sound. With this wide tonal palette to play with, you can sound like anyone under the sun, or no one but you. You can also use up to 8 FX at once.

The power of this collection is truly mind-boggling. In addition to these classic sounds themselves, POD HD500 functions as a fully featured looping, pitch shifting, and harmonizing machine. Ready to start creating? This rig could keep you going for a lifetime.

Unprecedented flexibility”stunning simplicityBeyond the mere depth of the amp and FX models, POD HD500 offers flexibility to mix and match amps and pedals in multiple pre-set rigs, attainable at the stomp of a switch.

Scale from an instantly routable signal chain up to the flexibility of a MIDI switching system and beyond, (even compiling several rigs within the POD HD500's memory, storing a full rig per "slot" with total flexibility and direct access).

The engineer's behind POD HD500 made it easy to access its deep programmability. Smart FX make it a snap to quickly dial in your tone, and the free, easy-to-use editor/librarian software supports your deepest, darkest tonal explorations. POD HD500 was designed by guitarists for guitarists.

Comprehensive connectivity for live and studio usePut simply, POD HD500 connects to just about anything and everything”analog or digital, balanced or unbalanced, for amplification or recording.

Edit and organize and all your sounds via computer with the included editor/librarian software (works on Mac and PC).

Built like a tankPOD HD500's cutting-edge technology is kept safe within a "bulletproof" bent sheet metal housing with heavy-duty metal footswitches and expression pedal. No injection-molded plastic boxes here”POD HD500 is ready to lap up years of road and stage abuse and keep you playing.

Version 1.3 Firmware update now available!Power-boost your POD HD multi-effect with an additional six HD amp models and five amp parameters “ all for free in firmware update v1.3.

To get v1.3 just connect your POD HD via USB to your computer, run Line 6 Monkey Intelligent Updater and follow the instructions.

Firmware update v1.3 includes six HD amp models based on* channels from three classic American combos (the œVibrato channel of a Fender Deluxe Reverb, the œVibrato channel of a Fender Twin Reverb and the œBright channel of a Fender Bassman), two British half stacks (the œNormal channel of a Park 75 and the œNormal channel of a Marshall JTM-45 MkII) and a high-gain Line 6 original.

Five additional, fully adjustable amp parameters don each new HD amp model (and will be added to the HD amp models you already have). Further customize essential aspects of tube amp feel and behavior with Sag, Hum, Bias, Bias Excursion and Master Volume.

Meet the new HD amp models:

Blackface ˜Lux VIBThe œVibrato channel rounds out the HD model based on* the classic combo that' considered by many to be the ultimate studio amp: Fender Deluxe Reverb.

Blackface Double VIBFender Twin Reverb is an all-time classic of biting twang and shimmering clean tones. This model is based on* a Fender Twin Reverb œVibrato channel, which is a separate preamp circuit with clipping characteristics that are different than the œNormal channel due to an additional 12AX7 tube stage.

Tweed B-Man BRTBased on* a Fender Bassman, the amp that started it all “ instant rock and roll tone. This model is based on the amp' œBright channel, which provides a different voicing from the œNormal channel by utilizing the second half of the first preamp tube. (The œNormal channel uses the first half only). High frequencies are increased due to the addition of a bright cap across the volume knob.

Brit J-45 NRMThis model is based on* a Marshall JTM-45 MkII, which marked the beginning of the distinctively bright and crunchy sound that Marshall amps are known for. The œNormal channel is adept at big, bold clean tones.

Brit P-75 NRMBased on* the œNormal channel of a Park 75, a Jim Marshall-designed amp that enjoys cult status for its powerful Plexi-style tones. The œNormal channel delivers a slightly darker tone than the œBright channel, a model of which already appears in POD HD.

Line 6 ElektrikA face-melting, soul-weeping Line 6 original with high-gain capacity, interactive presence and mid-range controls. Careful, this might hurt a little¦

*All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6. These trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6' sound model development. Fender, Bassman, Deluxe Reverb and Twin Reverb are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Hiwatt is a registered trademark of Fernandes Company Ltd. Supro is a registered trademark of Zinky Electronics, LLC. Gibson is a registered trademark of Gibson Guitar Corp. Dr. Z is a registered trademark of Dr. Z Amps, Inc. Vox is a registered trademark of Vox R&D Limited. Marshall is a registered trademark of Marshall Amplification Plc. Bogner is a registered trademark of Bogner Amplification. Mesa/Boogie and Rectifier are registered trademarks of Mesa/Boogie Ltd. Engl is a registered trademark of Ausflug, Beate and Engl, Edmund.

Features

HD amp models that feel, behave, and interact with previously unachievable realism for an entirely new playing experience

16 HD amp models based on the most sought-after guitar tones: California cleans, classic crunch, vibey boutique warmth, modern high-gain, and more

I use the Line 6 HD 500 effects processor primarily for live use using the 4-cable method. I plug my guitar into the input of HD 500, and then I use compression, wah, stompbox distortion, and any other pre-amp effects before I send the signal out of the effects send into my Mesa Rectifier Recording Pre for pure tube tone. Then from I live outs I go back into the HD 500 into the effects return, and then my signal is further processed with noise gate, pitch, modulation, EQ, delay, and reverb effects. The HD 500 allows me to take advantage of stereo processing

Overall, the effects selection on the HD 500 is excellent. I would prefer deeper editing, but the parameters are sufficient enough for general use. I do miss a few of the effects from the X3 Live, like the square and other choruses, but all of the basic effects are covered. I'm very impressed with pitch effects. Tracking is dead on quick. Smart Harmony works very well, as does using the pitch bender like a Whammy pedal. I could even completely tune down several steps without any lag in the output of my playing. The wah pedals are all so very impressive. The Tron effect can be used like an auto wah. The basic phaser is also fantastic.

What I appreciate most about the HD 500 is the complete flexibility in creating the perfect patch. You can literally choose any effect you want and place it anywhere you want in the signal path. You can even create a stereo signal path in the preamp section. For example, you could have a phaser effect in the left channel and a synth effect in the right channel.

I have had some issues with noise using the for cable method, but a hum eliminator on the cable from the effects send remedied this issue.

Even though nothing quite compares to the sound of my Mesa Boogie preamp, the HD 500's modeled Mesa comes pretty darn close. If something went wrong with my Mesa preamp for show, I would be completely comfortable using the model amps on the HD 500. I also like the Blackface Lux for a clean sound and some of the Marshall models for a crunch sound.

As for construction, the HD 500 is a huge improvement from the X3 Live.

Overall, this is an amazing effects processor. I foresee myself using this for many, many years.

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